Hollywood has lost one of its iconic figures as Carl Weathers, the former NFL player turned action star, renowned for his roles in the “Rocky” franchise, “Predator,” and “The Mandalorian,” has passed away at the age of 76. The sad news was confirmed by Weathers’ manager, Matt Luber, and the actor’s family released a statement expressing their deep sadness. Weathers reportedly passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday.
Carl Weathers gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of boxer Apollo Creed in the original “Rocky” film, starring alongside Sylvester Stallone. The success of the character led to Weathers reprising the role in three subsequent sequels, culminating in Creed’s death in “Rocky IV” in 1985. The legacy of Apollo Creed continued in the ongoing “Creed” franchise, with Michael B. Jordan taking on the role of Creed’s son.
In the 1987 action film “Predator,” Weathers delivered a memorable performance as Al Dillon, a CIA officer, sharing the screen with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Weathers showcased his versatility as an actor with roles spanning various genres, from intense boxing dramas to action-packed thrillers.
In recent years, Carl Weathers took on the role of Greef Karga in the Disney+ “Star Wars” series “The Mandalorian.” His character played a pivotal role in the show, guiding the title character on bounty hunting missions. Weathers also earned acclaim for his portrayal, receiving an Emmy nomination in 2021 for outstanding guest actor in a drama series. Notably, he also directed episodes of “The Mandalorian” during its second and third seasons.
Weathers’ extensive filmography included diverse roles such as the titular character in the 1988 action film “Action Jackson,” a golf coach in the Adam Sandler comedy “Happy Gilmore,” and the voice of Combat Carl, a toy, in the Disney animated film “Toy Story 4.” On the television front, he starred in crime dramas like “Street Justice” and “In the Heat of the Night” and portrayed a comedic version of himself on “Arrested Development.”
Before transitioning to acting, Carl Weathers had a sports career, playing college football at San Diego State University. He then joined the NFL’s Oakland Raiders for a season in 1970 before spending two years in the Canadian Football League while pursuing studies at San Francisco State University.
Weathers’ family released a statement describing him as an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. They emphasized his contributions to film, television, arts, and sports, leaving an indelible mark globally and across generations. He was remembered as a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend. Carl Weathers is survived by two children.
Following the news of his passing, tributes poured in from fellow actors and colleagues. Adam Sandler, who worked with Weathers in “Happy Gilmore,” remembered him as a “true legend” and praised him for being a great dad, actor, athlete, and a delightful presence. Jesse Ventura, Weathers’ co-star in “Predator,” also paid tribute, remembering him as a phenomenal talent, true professional, and dear friend.
The loss of Carl Weathers leaves a void in the entertainment industry, but his legacy will endure through the timeless characters he brought to life on screen. His impact on film, television, and sports will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.